Metro East Sun

Kevin Schmidt dominated Kevin Dawson in the Republican primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 114. 

Schmidt will advance to the general election in the fall to face incumbent Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis). 

"We won!" Schmidt posted on Facebook. "Now we must all band together to turn this state around. Thank you!"

Schmidt, of Millstadt, said he ran for General Assembly because “The state is taking too much in taxes and too much of our freedoms,” according to his website. He noted during his candidacy announcement that Illinois is one of the highest-taxed and most locked down states in the country. Springfield, according to him, is hurting working families, and he will be their voice in the State House. He is also zooming in on crimes and jobs. Other social issues he wants to solve are parental rights and gun rights, among others. 

According to Ballotpedia, Schmidt won 63.2% of the vote in the Republican primary in the 114th district compared to Dawson’s 36.8%. In November, Schmidt will face Greenwood, who has been in office since 2017.

Dawson released a statement wishing Schmidt well, according to Herald Publications. 

“Our movement fell short tonight. Although the election results are disappointing, I congratulate my opponent, Kevin Schmidt. I wish him well in serving us in Springfield."

Schmidt is a board-certified chiropractor who said the government complicates areas such as health care and education, The Telegraph reported.

“Kevin Schmidt is a true conservative and the only candidate you can trust to represent your values in Springfield,” State senator and candidate for governor, Darren Bailey said, Metro East Sun reported. “I urge Republicans in the 114th District to join me in supporting pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-reform candidate Kevin Schmidt.”

Schmidt was also endorsed by State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) who said that “Schmidt is a hard worker with strong ties to the district. Wilhour added that Schmidt “will be a tireless advocate for the structural reforms we need to turn Illinois around. Schmidt will not be afraid to take on the political insiders and influence peddlers who are bankrupting our state," and he looks forward to working with Schmidt in the State Legislature, Prairie State Wire reported.